Legal Consultant (International)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) was established in 1949 to provide assistance and protection to a population of over 5 million Palestine refugees. The agency operates in five fields: Gaza, West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. UNRWA's mission is to help Palestine refugees achieve their full potential in human development, while safeguarding their rights and dignity. The organization employs thousands of staff members across various sectors, including education, health, and social services, and is committed to providing quality services to the refugee population.

Job Overview:
The position of Legal Consultant (International) is designed to support the UNRWA Gaza Field Legal Office team in delivering a range of key legal services. The consultant will be responsible for concluding various general law matters, which include drafting memoranda of understanding with partners, donation agreements, and other legal documents pertinent to the operations of the Field. The role also encompasses handling disciplinary matters, particularly those related to misconduct, and requires the consultant to work independently towards achieving defined results. The consultant is expected to be available for regular consultations or meetings during UNRWA Gaza Field Office working hours, and the assignment is set to begin as soon as possible, with an end date of February 28, 2027, and potential for short-term extensions based on funding availability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for upholding and ensuring the consistent interpretation and application of the Agency’s regulatory framework, particularly UNRWA Area and International Staff Regulations, Rules, and associated administrative issuances. Key responsibilities include drafting, reviewing, and assisting in the negotiation of field-related contractual modalities, advising on the resolution of contractual and tortious claims against the Agency, providing legal advice and training on administrative and employment law, and ensuring that all advice provided is legally accurate, timely, and politically sensitive. The consultant will also advise on the status, mandate, privileges, and immunities of the Agency and its personnel, and perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law from an accredited institution, with a specialization in public international law, contract, or commercial law. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in law combined with two additional years of qualifying international law experience may be accepted. Additionally, at least five years of progressively responsible relevant work experience as a lawyer in the United Nations, other international organizations, government service, the commercial/private sector, or NGOs is required. Candidates must also have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside UNRWA and outside their country of citizenship, unless they are already serving as an international staff member in the UN Common System.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in law, with a focus on public international law, contract law, or commercial law. A first-level university degree in law may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of qualifying international law experience. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of legal frameworks and regulations that govern UNRWA's operations.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of progressively responsible work experience as a lawyer, specifically within the context of the United Nations, other international organizations, government service, or the commercial/private sector. Candidates should have a strong background in legal matters relevant to international law and must demonstrate experience in handling complex legal issues, particularly those related to administrative and employment law. Furthermore, candidates must have at least two continuous years of relevant international experience outside of UNRWA and their country of citizenship, unless they are already part of the UN Common System.

Languages:
An excellent command of spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of Arabic is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and understanding within the context of the occupied Palestinian territory. Familiarity with the UN system and practices is also beneficial for candidates.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultancy role with a contract duration expected to last until February 28, 2027, with the possibility of short-term extensions based on confirmed funding. The role is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location, but the consultant must be available for regular consultations or meetings during UNRWA Gaza Field Office working hours. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.